IRS Form 9465: Installment Agreement Request (2026)

When to use Form 9465

File Form 9465 when you owe federal tax you can't pay in full and want to set up a monthly installment plan rather than paying a lump sum. It lets you propose a payment amount and a date each month that fit your budget, keeping your account in good standing while you pay it down.

What you'll propose

• The total you owe and the tax year(s),
• The monthly payment you can afford and your preferred payment date, and
• Your bank details if you're paying by direct debit (often required for larger balances, and it lowers the setup fee).

Common mistakes to avoid

• Proposing a payment that's too low to clear the balance in a reasonable time — the IRS may reject it or ask for more.
• Assuming penalties stop. Interest and the failure-to-pay penalty keep accruing until the balance is paid, though a plan lowers the penalty rate and prevents collection actions.
• Filing 9465 when you don't need it. Many taxpayers who owe under the IRS thresholds can set up a plan online in minutes — this form is most useful for larger balances or specific situations.

After you apply

The IRS reviews your request and usually responds within about 30 days. Once a plan is in place, pay on time every month — a missed payment can default the agreement and restart collection.